Electronically controlled target positioning system for training in marksmanship and target identification

ABSTRACT

A fixed and portable, remote controlled moving target system to train shooters in marksmanship and correct target recognition comprising supported target assemblies on horizontal cables which are connected to vertical support assemblies. 
     The targets are driven by an operator programmable, electronically controlled, computer based motor drive assembly. The targets are positioned by the operator inputs and the positions of the targets at start and during their movements behind an obscuring medium are programmed into the system. Once inputted into memory, the program can be replayed until it is overwritten. 
     The targets exhibit humanoid movements owing to their unique suspension system and cable attachments.

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/672342 FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH—Not applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM—Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to target systems, specifically to target systems used to train shooters to correctly recognize and accurately shoot a target.

2. Related Art

Target systems used today to train civilian and military shooters are predominantly of the following types:

-   -   a. A target system wherein the target image is placed in front         of the shooter and is stationary and visible at all times. This         system has the disadvantage of allowing the shooter to         constantly recognize the target image as a threat; the shooter         knows he is in a shoot condition. The shooter is not required to         recognize whether the target image is of a threat or not a         threat. The shooter simply draws his weapon as quickly as         possible and shoots the target image as accurately as possible.     -   b. A target system wherein the target is suspended from a motor         driven cable. The system allows the target to be located closer         or further away from the shooter. This action is meant to         decrease or increase the difficulty in hitting the target image         by altering the distance from the target to the shooter. This         system has the disadvantage of the target system as described         in a) above.     -   c. A target system wherein the target image is stationary and         rotates in a horizontal plane and is positioned to face toward         or away from the shooter. The target image is first hidden from         view by being positioned at 0 degrees. The target image is then         rotated 90 degrees to face     -   d. A target system wherein the target image is in a stationary         location and is physically moved into the shooters field of         view. As an example, a pneumatic system with rubber targets that         are brought into view by filling them with air. This system has         the disadvantage of having stationary targets that simply appear         and disappear from view in a location that is known to the         shooter after they appear one time. This system has the         disadvantage of the target system as described in a) above.     -   e. A target system wherein the targets are driven to different         locations by means of a reversible cable drive with a manually         engaged switch. The shooting instructor moves the target to         various locations and manually controls the speed and direction         of the target movement. This system has the disadvantage of not         allowing accurate programming of the targets direction of         movement, speed and the time the target is held stationary         before moving to a new location. The speed of movement and         positioning is random and is not repeatable. Repeatability is         required in order to accurately assess the skills of the         shooters. It also has the disadvantage of the target system as         described in a) above.

US Patent Documents FIELD OF SEARCH: 273/359, 366-370, 378, 383, 386-388, 390-392 Boss; Richard K. Sep. 19, 1975 4,029,318 Doughty; Steven P Mar. 22, 1985 4,614,345 Allard; Jean-Claude Apr. 14, 1987 4,657,511 Scholem; Paul Sep. 8, 1987 4,691,925 Bateman; Kyle E. Nov. 17, 1992 5,163,689 Koma; Yozo Sep. 28, 1993 5,248,150 Graham; Richard D Jan. 25, 1994 5,280,919 Miyake; Masahito May 10, 1994 5,310,192 Jones; Michael A. Jun. 14, 1994 5,320,358 Acock; Joseph Sep. 27, 1994 5,350,180 Hazard; Bowdien H. Jun. 27, 1995 5,427,380 O'Neil; Kent D Nov. 18, 1997 5,688,196 Muehle; Eric G Oct. 20, 1998 5,823,779 Theissen; Peter-Paul Feb. 9, 1999 5,868,396 Corcoran; Thomas M Oct. 19, 1999 5,967,522 Muehle; Eric G. Nov. 9, 1999 5,980,254 Westphal; Robert L Dec. 19, 2000 6,162,057 Amrein; Bruce E. Apr. 17, 2001 6,217,027 Elliott; Jerry R Dec. 4, 2001 6,325,376 Beckwith, Sr.; James C Aug. 20, 2002 6,435,512 Witmeyer; Aaron D. Nov. 12, 2002 6,478,301 Huston; James J. Dec. 10, 2002 6,491,303 Slifko; John D Jan. 7, 2003 6,502,820 Rosa; Stephen P Jun. 10, 2003 6,575,753 Wolff; Ronald S. Aug. 5, 2003 6,604,064

3. Objects and Advantages

We determined that all the disadvantages of the aforementioned systems could be overcome and the training of the shooter could be of a higher quality, more consistent and subjectively gradable if the target movement is controlled by a programmable system. The programmable system moves single or multiple targets in a predetermined, programmed direction and speed. The programmable system also moves and halts the targets in direct relationship to other targets. The programmable system allows the operator to challenge the shooter with an infinite number of variables.

As an example, multiple targets with target images presenting multiple threats to the shooter can be presented at the same time, requiring the shooter to constantly be aware of the location of each threat target. Alternately, one target image can depict a threat to the shooter and another target image can depict no threat to the shooter. This scenario requires the shooter to constantly locate the target that is not a threat and not shoot it. At the same time the shooter must constantly locate and shoot the target that is a threat. She must ensure that she does not shoot the target that is a threat when it is in a location that could expose the target that is not a threat to injury due to an inaccurately placed bullet or projectiles.

The invention proposed has target obscuring panels located in front of the targets. These panels prevent the shooter from seeing the target unless the target is in an opening in the panels or a location that is purposely void of a panel. As an example, the target obscuring panels may be made of cardboard with simulated window and door cut outs to represent the front of a house. This configuration greatly adds to the realism and difficulty in recognizing the threat level of the targets and accurately shooting them. In the proposed invention the targets are first positioned out of the shooters field of view behind the obscuring panels. The targets are then quickly moved into the cutout representing a window, the cutout representing a door or are positioned in the shooters field of view directly above a panel made to resemble a fence.

After stopping in this location for a period of time selected by the operator the targets are then removed from the shooters field of view by quickly moving them back behind the target obscuring panels where there is no cutout area.

The difficulty and realism is further increased by the target system's ability to change the target transport speed, direction of travel and the location and amount of time the target stops at that location. The location at which the target stops can be chosen by the operator to be either in a location that is within the shooters field of view or a location that is not within the shooters field of view. After stooping in the chosen location for an operator determined period of time, the targets are moved to a new location. The speed and direction of movement, and locations and times the targets are stopped are all operator selectable.

The difficulty and realism the invention presents is further increased by ability of the operator to quickly change the physical makeup of the target obscuring panels. The panels may made to resemble any number of locations including a bus, interior of an airplane, control room of a nuclear power plant, a business, etc.

The operator can use panels that depict actual locations where an armed conflict occurred and train the shooter to not repeat mistakes know to have been made during a previous documented armed conflict.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The proposed invention comprises a means of accurately and with repeatability, controlling the speed and direction of movement and the location and duration of time single or multiple targets are stopped before resuming movement.

The mechanical assembly used to suspend the target is part of the invention. Existing target systems use a cable or framework to rigidly suspend the target carrier on pulleys or rolling wheels positioned on a framework. The target follows the motion of the target carrier along a horizontal plane because the cable or framework and target carrier are rigid and inflexible. The target carrier portion of the invention we propose is unique in that the target carrier has several independently movable arms on each of its sides. These moving arms suspend the target mounting medium, which is usually cardboard. The target image is affixed to the target mounting medium, usually by staples or tape. The moving arms independently pivot and rotate, causing the target image to execute unpredictable, random movements when the target carrier is driven from one location to another location; when the target carrier is stopped or when the target carrier is made to abruptly change direction while in motion. This mechanical action more closely mimics the movements of a person as they move from one location to another, adding to the realism and difficulty. As an example, a person moving quickly to the left or right does not stay perfectly horizontal to the ground. Leg and body muscle movements require that they move in several low angle arcs as they overcome inertia. As they begin to move they lower their head and push off with one leg or the other. This action is displayed by the target image using our invention.

The proposed invention incorporates target obscuring panels used to alternately obscure and not obscure the target from the field of view of the shooter. The target obscuring panels are designed to overlap, thus preventing the shooter from looking between the panels if the panels do not exactly mate. Should the shooter have the ability to see between the target obscuring panels due to a slight mismatch in their alignment to one another, the shooter could anticipate the next location of the target and/or the direction in which the target was moving.

Target systems in use today usually depict an image of a person or persons or the likeness of the human anatomy. The image on the target has a pattern superimposed on it which designates points given to the shooter for their accuracy in placing bullets into specific sections of the target image. The more likely the shooter's hits are to immediately incapacitate the person depicted on the target image, the higher the points. The target image is affixed to a target mounting medium. The most prevalent target mounting medium in use today is inexpensive cardboard. The target image is stapled or taped to the target mounting medium and mounted to the target carrier, usually by inexpensive spring clips of the type used to hold many sheets of paper in order. For many years shooters have been using target mediums suspended by a trip device which causes the target mounting medium to fall to the ground when it is hit in an area that depicts the human anatomy that would immediately incapacitate a person if they were hit in a corresponding location. These target mounting mediums have a problem because the target mounting medium, being made of inexpensive cardboard, is presently manufactured with a flat bottom. After disengaging from the target carrier, the target mounting medium falls to the ground and can remain upright and in the shooters field of view. As a part of our invention the target mounting medium is manufactured with the bottom section having a longer center section dimension than the dimensions of the left and right sides. This design causes the target mounting medium to land on its center section and having insufficient area to remain upright, to fall over. The target then remains out of the shooters field of view.

Additionally, as part of the invention, the targets incorporate a movable arm which quickly comes into the shooters field of view as the target is moved into an open area in the target obscuring panels such as a window cutout. The moving arm can be configured to hold one of any number of objects. These objects may depict no threat to the shooter, such as a can of soda, a cell phone or a flashlight. When these types of images are quickly brought into the shooters field of view the shooter must quickly recognize them and if they are not a threat to not shoot the target. Alternately, if the movable arm on the target is holding the image of a weapon, the shooter must instantly react and shoot the target as quickly and accurately as possible.

Additionally, the invention incorporates a means of covering the cutouts in the target obscuring panels that simulate a window glass with a plastic material that has the approximate reflective properties of glass. This condition is advisable for training as the reflective properties of the simulated glass can obscure or alter the shooters perspective and visual acuity. This condition is especially true when the simulated glass is illuminated in a night condition and the target images are behind the simulated glass.

Our invention allows instructors to train military, law enforcement and civilian shooters, using live fire weapons, in both target threat recognition and speed of accurate shot placement on moving targets. This invention approaches realism by forcing the shooter to immediately and correctly identify and then accurately shoot targets that rapidly appear in openings or from behind target obscuring panels and then moves the targets to new locations that do not allow the shooter to see them. These actions all take place in real time. The shooter must engage targets that are at one moment stationary and in view and the next moment are moving at controlled speeds and directions. In the next moment the targets disappear and in another moment reappear. In multiple target scenarios the targets an be selected so both target images represent a threat to the shooter, or alternately the target images can be selected so one target image represents a threat and the second target image represents no threat.

There are also target images available with the image of a hostage in the control of an assailant. These target images can be selected to further complicate the decision making process of the shooter. Any combination of aforementioned target images can be selected to increase the complexity and diversity of the training scenario. The targets are programmed to alternately appear from behind the target obscuring panels into cutouts representing windows, doors, fences, etc. and then disappear from view.

The invention has the following distinct advantages over present target systems.

-   -   1. It requires the shooter to quickly and accurately:         -   a. recognize the target image as a threat or not a threat,         -   b. bring a weapon to a shooting position and accurately             shoot the target image if the image is a threat,         -   c. refrain from bringing the weapon to a firing position if             the image is not a threat,         -   d. recognize the possibility of multiple threats and their             interaction against the shooter,         -   e. decide if and when to shoot the threat target if the             target is alternately moving and remaining stationary. This             is especially significant if the target image is one the             specially designed types having an image of a hostage being             threatened by an assailant.         -   f. decide if and when to shoot the threat target if the             threat target is moving and then remaining stationary when a             non-threat target is moving and remaining stationary in the             same locations.     -   2. The invention is operator programmable, which allows the         operator the flexibility to:         -   a. increase, decrease or leave unchanged the level of             difficulty presented to the shooter during training or             assessment,         -   b. present one or multiple target scenarios during the             running of a program, which greatly adds to the training             difficulty and realism,         -   c. accurately assess the level of training level of an             individual shooter and other shooters in a peer group by             presenting the same accurate and repeatable programs to all             the shooters,         -   d. present target images to the shooter wherein the shooter             has no prior knowledge of the type of target image they will             be exposed to. The target image may be selected from any             number of target images including a threat, no threat,             various hostage and assailant depictions, etc.

The system can be operator programmed to move the targets at controlled speeds and in predetermined directions. It also allows halting the movement of the target assembly for operator selectable periods of time before moving the target assembly to a new location. The operator programs these parameters into the system. The targets move from locations where no shot by the shooter is possible, as when they are behind the target obscuring panels, to locations in openings in the panels where the shooter has a visible field of fire. The targets can be operator programmed to halt in the visible location for a predetermined period of time and are then programmed to move to locations where they are not visible. The various parameters the operator may program include the location at which the target is stationary before the training sequence starts. This is known as the target start location. This location is any area behind the target obscuring panels and is operator selectable. The direction of the target movement, the speed at which the target moves and the length of time the targets are located in visible and not visible locations are operator programmable.

Additionally, these parameters can be coordinated between targets. One target can be made to move, halt and change its speed of movement relative to the second target. As an example, the 1^(st) target can be programmed to quickly move into the simulated window opening of the target obscuring panels. When the shooter is mentally affixed on that target, and at a predetermined period of time subsequent to the target being visible to the shooter, the 2^(nd) target can be moved into the field of view of the shooter. These actions require the shooter to not concentrate only on the 1_(st) target. The shooter will be trained to constantly be aware of and recognize the possibility of multiple threats. Because of the availability of hundreds of target images, coupled with the ability of the operator to program thousands of combinations of target movements, speed, direction and location parameters, there are infinite variations of scenarios available for the operator to present to the shooter.

The proposed invention allows the operator to intermix threat target images with innocent bystanders or target images of a hostage being held by an assailant. Because of the inventions ability to accurately and with repeatability, reproduce its programmed parameters, the operator can evaluate the shooters ability to not only quickly and accurately hit the correct threat target image but to also assure that the shooter does not hit a no-threat target image.

Because of its multiple target capability, the system teaches a shooter to not concentrate only on a single threat target. The shooter must at all times be aware that multiple threats and innocent bystanders may appear, disappear and reappear during a gun battle. They cannot be fixated on one target as they are with the training systems available today.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND REFERENCE NUMBERS

The invention can be more easily understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a target carrier assembly in a stationary position. The target carrier assembly contains a target image affixed to a target mounting medium with the target mounting medium attached to the target carrier. The invention may contain multiple target carrier assemblies.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of target carrier assembly immediately after it is driven in one direction. Note the movement of the middle and lower suspension arms on both the left and right side of the target carrier. The arms are connected to each other at the upper and lower pivot points located both on the left and right side of the target carrier. This mechanical configuration allows the target mounting medium to move in a random pattern that is not in the same horizontal plane the target mounting medium was in when it was hanging in a stationary location. Because of the inertia of the target mounting medium and the twin pivots on each side of the target carrier, the target mounting medium will begin to move after the target carrier has begun its movement. Due to the action of the pivot arms the target mounting medium will move in a random, oscillating, arc motion. During the time the target carrier assembly moves to a new desired location the target mounting medium will stabilize due to gravity. The suspension arms will return to the positions shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the action of the target carrier assembly after it is stopped or the direction of the target carrier assembly movement is reversed. The target mounting medium will exhibit an oscillating, random pattern of movement. The exact pattern of movement will differ and is dependent on the speed the target assembly was moved, the length of time it is moved and the duration of the time the target assembly is stopped before it is moved in the opposite direction.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the target system without the target obscuring panels installed. The target system is shown with one target carrier assembly.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the target system. The system is shown with one target carrier assembly and the control unit.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the target system with the target obscuring panels installed. The target carrier system is positioned behind the target obscuring panels.

FIG. 6 A is a plan view of the target system with the target obscuring panels installed. The target carrier system is positioned in the cutout in the target obscuring panels simulating a window.

FIG. 6 B is a plan view of the target system with the target obscuring panels installed. The target carrier system is positioned in the cutout in the target obscuring panels simulating a door.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the target system. The system is shown with two target carrier assemblies and the control unit.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of the target system without the target obscuring panels installed. Two target carrier assemblies are shown.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the moving arm target mounting medium. This unique target image has a moving arm that moves into and out of the field of view of the shooter. The movement of the moving arm is relative to the position of the target carrier assembly to the opening in the target obscuring panels simulating a window. As shown, the moving arm is in the relaxed position and hangs down due to the location of the arm pivot. The target carrier assembly is normally behind the target obscuring panels at this time and would not be visible to the shooter. The actuating cable is loose and does not affect the position of the moving arm.

FIG. 8A is a plan view of the moving arm target mounting medium as the target carrier assembly is being moved toward the cutout in the target obscuring panels simulating a window. The actuating cable begins to tighten because the end opposite the moving arm is anchored to a location on the target system suspensions, and the target carrier assembly is being moved away the actuating cable anchor point. The target system suspensions are usually walls or posts driven into the ground on each side of the target system. As the target carrier assembly moves into the opening in the target obscuring panels simulating a window, the cable is drawn tight and the arm is caused to rotate on the arm pivot. The hand on the moving arm is quickly brought into the field of view of the shooter. The shooter is forced to quickly recognize the image the instructor has affixed to the moving arm. If it is a weapon, the shooter must quickly and accurately shoot the target. If it is not a weapon the shooter must refrain from shooting.

FIG. 9 is a unique target mounting medium. The target carrier assembly in the invention may be modified to cause the target mounting medium and target image to fall to the ground if the target image is struck in an area that coincides with a vital anatomical area on a person. This capability has been in the public domain for many years and is not offered as part of the invention. Existing target mounting mediums have a problem in that they are manufactured with a flat bottom and remain upright on the ground and in the field of view of the shooter after they have fallen from the target carrier assembly. Our invention includes a target mounting medium with the centerline dimension longer than the dimensions on its sides. Manufactured in this manner the target mounting medium will always fall over and be removed from the field of view of the shooter after it falls from the target carrier.

FIG. 10 shows the opening in the target obscuring panels simulating a window having a covering of inexpensive plastic sheet or its equivalent. Objects such as the target image when observed through a window are distorted and not easy to define, especially at night with lights or moon glow in the foreground. This condition is especially true when the object is being viewed with a telescopic sight. A plastic sheet stretched over the opening in the target obscuring panels and held by staples simulates the condition of having to view the target image through a window glass.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the system. The system can be powered by battery or alternating current that is converted to DC. The system power runs the system electronic controller. The system electronic controller is programmable via the external buttons on the operator interface panel. The operator can program in various speeds, directions and times that the target carrier assemblies are stopped, either behind the target obscuring panels or openings in the target obscuring panels meant to simulate a window or a door. The operator can correlate the movements, speeds and stops of one target carrier assembly to other target carrier assemblies. Signals from the system electronic controller are sent to the target carrier assembly motor control units, are processed and then sent to the drive motors. Positional signals are fed back from each of the target carrier assembly motor controls to the system electronic controller to constantly monitor the locations of each target carrier assembly relative to the other target carrier assemblies and all target carrier assemblies relative to the target obscuring panels.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   10. target #1 carrier -   11. target carrier cross support -   12. mounting point for the left end of the drive cable -   13. left-upper suspension arm -   14. left-middle suspension arm -   15. left-lower suspension arm -   16. spring clip -   17. left-upper pivot -   18. left-lower pivot -   19. target carrier pulley -   20. right-upper suspension arm -   21. right-middle suspension arm -   22. right-lower suspension arm -   23. right-upper pivot -   24. right-lower pivot -   25. mounting point for the right end of the drive cable -   26. target mounting medium -   27. target image -   28. target system suspensions -   29. target #1 carrier drive motor -   30. target #1 carrier suspension cable -   31. target #1 carrier drive pulley -   32. target #1 carrier drive cable -   33. target #1 carrier turn around pulley -   34. target #2 carrier -   35. control unit -   36. target #control signal cable -   37. target start location -   38. 1st target location -   39. 2nd target location -   40. target obscuring panels -   41. overlap in target obscuring panels -   42. cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a window -   43. cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a door -   44. not used -   45. not used -   46. anchor point for the actuating cable -   47. moving arm target mounting medium -   47. moving arm -   48. pivot point -   49. actuating cable connecting point -   50. actuating cable -   51. not used -   52. not used -   53. target mounting medium centerline -   54. target mounting medium left edge -   55. target mounting medium right edge -   56. not used -   57. target #2 carrier suspension cable -   58. target #2 carrier drive cable -   59. target #2 carrier drive motor -   60. target #2 drive pulley -   61. target #2 carrier turn around pulley -   62. target #2 carrier control signal cable -   63. plastic sheet -   64. power supply -   65. power cable -   66. not used -   67. wireless electronic transmitter -   68. program selection, initiation and halt signals -   69. #1 signal cable -   70. motor control #1 feedback signal cable -   71. target #1 carrier motor control unit -   72. not used -   73. not used -   74. #2 signal cable -   75. motor control #2 feedback signal cable -   76. target #2 carrier motor control unit -   77. target #2 carrier motor drive

A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT—DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiment of the invention provides mechanisms for moving and positioning targets in relationship to themselves and in relationship to a series of panels placed in front of the targets. These panels have openings which allow the shooter to at times see, and at other times to not see the targets. This configuration allows the system operator to present varying scenarios with various levels of difficulty to the shooter. The difficulty of the scenarios chosen depends on the level of training of the shooter and her ability to rapidly and correctly identify a target image and accurately shooting the correct target images at the correct time.

Referring to FIG. 1, the drawing shows a plan view of the target #1 carrier (10), part of the invention. The target #1 carrier (10) contains, in part, the target mounting medium (26) which is usually a sheet of cardboard. The target mounting medium (26) is used to suspend the target image (27). The target image (27) is a paper sheet on which one of any number of images has been printed. Because of the unique design of the target #1 carrier (10), the target mounting medium (26) and associated target image (27) do not move in a flat horizontal plane. The design of the target #1 carrier (10) causes a random, side-to-side and up and down oscillatory motion of the target image (27). This action is evident when the target #1 carrier (10) is quickly moved from a stationary location. The action is also evident if the direction of movement of the target #1 carrier (10) is abruptly changed or the movement of the target #1 carrier (10) is abruptly stopped.

Referring to FIG. 1, one end of the left upper suspension arm (13) is rigidly connected to the target carrier cross support (11). The other end of the left-upper suspension arm (13) and one end of the left-middle suspension arm (14) are joined at the left-upper pivot (17). One end of the left-middle suspension arm (14) and one end of the left-lower suspension arm (15) are joined at the left-lower pivot (18). These parts suspend the left side of the target mounting medium (26) which is connected to the left-lower suspension arm (15) by use of a common spring clip (16).

Correspondingly, one end of the right-upper suspension arm (20) is rigidly connected to the target carrier cross support (11). The opposite end of the right-upper suspension arm (20) and one end of the right-middle suspension arm (21) are joined at the right-upper pivot (23). One end of the right-middle suspension arm (21) and one end of the right-lower suspension arm (22) are joined at the right-lower pivot (24). The right side of the target mounting medium (26) is connected to the right-lower suspension arm (22) by use of a common spring clip (16).

When the target #1 carrier assembly (10) is not moving, the target mounting medium (26) is parallel to the target #1 suspension cable (30) due to gravity.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the target #1 carrier (10) begins to move in either direction, the mechanical action of the target #1 carrier causes the target mounting medium (26) and associated target image (27) to move in an oscillating, non-linear motion. The target #1 carrier (10) is shown moving to the right. The motion of the target #1 carrier is the opposite when the target #1 carrier (10) is driven to the left. The amount of movement the target image (27) exhibits is dependent on the speed at which the target #1 carrier (10) is moved. After the target #1 carrier (10) has moved in one direction for a minimal amount of time and continues to move in that direction, the target mounting medium (26) will return to a position parallel to the target #1 suspension cable (30) and the ground as previously shown in FIG. 1. This action is due to gravity.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the target #1 carrier (10) is stopped or its direction of motion is quickly reversed, the target mounting medium (26) will continue to move in its original direction and exhibit the random, oscillating, non-linear motion as described previously. The target mounting medium (26) and associated target image (27) again exhibit an oscillating, non-linear motion. This sequence is repeated every time the target #1 carrier assembly (10) is moved, stopped or its direction of movement reversed.

Referring to FIG. 4, the target #1 carrier (10) is positioned by moving the target #1 drive cable (32). The target carrier cross support (11) has a mounting point for the left-end of the drive cable (12). The target #1 drive cable (32) is wrapped around the target #1 drive pulley (31) and continues on to the target #1 turn around pulley (33). The target #1 drive cable (32) is wrapped around the target #1 turn around pulley (33) and continues on to the mounting point for the right end of the drive cable (25) on the target #1 carrier cross support (11). The target #1 drive pulley (31) is mounted on the target #1 drive motor (29) output shaft.

Referring to FIG. 5, the operator programs multiple target #1 carrier (10) movement sequences into the control unit (35). The control unit (35) gives the operator the ability to input into the program sequence the direction and speed at which the target #1 carrier (10) will move and a time delay executed after the target #1 carrier (10) is programmed to stop. After the time delay is executed, the target #1 carrier (10) is programmed to move to a new location in the same or different direction, using the same or different speed. This sequence is repeated multiple times and programmed into the control unit (35).

Referring to FIG. 6, using the control unit (35) the operator moves the target #1 carrier (10) to a location behind the target obscuring panels (40) which conceal it from the shooters view. The target obscuring panels (40) may be made of any number of materials, including but not limited to, cardboard, plastic, wood, press board, etc.

The operator then programs this location into the control unit (35). This location is known as the target start location (37).

Referring to FIG. 6A the operator then programs into the control unit (35) the direction the target #1 carrier (10) will move. In this example the direction selected is left as viewed from the front. The operator then programs into the control unit (35) the speed at which the target #1 carrier (10) will move to its new location. The operator then initiates the target #1 carrier (10) movement using the control unit (35). When the target #1 carrier (10) reaches the new location desired, the operator stops the target #1 carrier (10) movement and programs this location in to the control unit (35) The operator then programs into the control unit (35), the time she wants the target #1 carrier (10) to remain stationary at this location This location is known as then known as the target location (38). In this example the 1^(st) target location (38) places the target #1 carrier (10) in view of the shooter within the cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a window (42). The 1^(st) target location (38) may be chosen to allow the shooter to view the entire or only portions of the target image (27). This is accomplished by selection of the 1^(st) target location (38) location in relationship to the cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a window (42) or cutout in the target obscuring panel simulating a door (43). The target #1 carrier (10) in this example was programmed to remain in the 1^(st) target location for 2 seconds

Referring to FIG. 6B the operator then initiates the target #1 carrier (10) movement using the control unit (35). When the target #1 carrier (10) reaches the new location desired, the operator stops the target #1 carrier (10) movement and programs this location into the control unit (35). The operator also programs into the control unit (35) the time she wants the target #1 carrier (10) to remain stationary at this location. This location is then known as the 2^(nd) target location (39). In this example the 2^(nd) target location (39) places the target #1 carrier (10) in view of the shooter within the cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a door (43).

The operator continues to enter multiple target locations into the control unit (35), the number of which is limited only by the number of memory allocations in the control unit (35). Each new target location is sequentially designated as a new target location. After the programming sequence is complete the entire programming sequence is saved in the control unit (35) and is now known as the program. The control unit (35) stores multiple programs, the number of which is limited only by the number of memory allocations within the control unit (35).

The operator then selects to replay one of the programs. Upon initiation of the program, the target #1 carrier (10) will move to the target start location (37). The shooter is then positioned in front of the target obscuring panels (40). The remainder of the program is initiated using the control panel (35) or the wireless electronic transmitter (67). The operator has the ability to pause the program at any moment during the program execution. The target #1 carrier (10) will stop. The operator can then restart the program and the program will begin at the time at which it was stopped. The program will then run until completion, unless it is again halted. After the program execution is complete, the target #1 carrier (10) returns to the target start location (37). The program can be replayed to further train the same shooter; another shooter may be trained; anyone of the multiple programs stored in the control unit (35) may be selected and executed. A new program may also be entered.

Referring to FIG. 7, the system also allows coordination of the locations, speeds, direction of movement and stop times of a target #2 carrier (34) to target #1 carrier (10). The addition of a target #2 carrier (34), target #2 suspension cable (57), target #2 drive cable (58), target #2 drive motor (59), target #2 drive pulley (60), target #2 turn around pulley (61), allow direct coordination of the direction and speed of movement, and stop time of target #1 carrier (10) to the target #2 carrier (34). As an example, the target #1 carrier (10) can be programmed to move to the cutout in the target obscuring panel simulating a window (42) and, at the same moment, the target #2 carrier (34) can be programmed to move into the cutout in the target obscuring panel simulating a door (43). The operator can program in a specified amount of time after the target #1 carrier (10) is visible to the shooter, before the target #2 carrier (34) is made to the shooter. The target #1 carrier (10) can then be programmed to move to a new location relative to the target obscuring panels (40). After the target #1 carrier is positioned the target #2 carrier (34) is the repositioned. This coordination of movement adds an even greater degree of realism and difficulty to the shooters training.

FIG. 7A is a top view of FIG. 7

Referring to FIG. 8, one of the embodiments of the invention is the moving arm target mounting medium (46) which has a moving arm (47). The motion of the moving arm (47) is in direct relationship to the location of the target #1 carrier assembly (10) relative to the target obscuring panels (40). The moving arm (47) is construct so as to have the moving arm (47) rapidly appear when the target #1 carrier (10) is positioned in the field of view of the shooter. The moving arm (47) has a pivot point (48) and an actuating cable connecting point (49) for one end of the actuating cable (50). The opposite end of the actuating cable (50) is connected to the target system suspensions (28) at an anchor point for the actuating cable (45). The actuating cable (50) length is determined by the location at which the target #1 carrier (10) and moving arm target mounting medium (46) come into the field of view of the shooter.

Referring to FIG. 8 A, when the target #1 carrier (10) and the associated moving arm target mounting medium (46) begin to come into the view of the shooter, the actuating cable (50) loses its slack and becomes tight. The actuating cable (50) begins to rotate the moving arm (47) around its pivot point (48).

Referring to FIG. 8B, when the target #1 carrier (10) and associated moving arm target mounting medium (46) come into full view of the shooter, the moving arm (47) is brought into full view of the shooter by the continued action as described above.

It is easy for the casual observer to envision the moving arm target mounting medium (46) being used with the target obscuring panels (40), specifically with the cutout in the target obscuring panel simulating a window (42). As the target #1 carrier (10) and moving target mounting medium (46) begin to come into view, the shooter is unable to see what the target image (27) is holding in the moving arm (47). When the target image (27) becomes completely into view, the moving arm (47) quickly rotates into view. The instructor may choose to have any one of a number of images in the hand of the moving arm (47). These images may be of either lethal weapons or non-lethal items.

Referring to the FIG. 9, the target mounting medium (26) is constructed to have a target mounting medium centerline (53) that is longer than the target mounting medium left edge (54) and the target mounting medium right edge (55). When the target mounting medium (26) is caused to fall to the ground, the target mounting medium (26) cannot support itself on the target mounting medium centerline (53) and will-topple over. This action removes it from the field of view of the shooter. This construction is applicable to both the target mounting medium (26) and the moving arm target mounting medium (46).

Referring to FIG. 10, the cutout in the target obscuring panel simulating a window (42) has a plastic sheet (63) affixed to it to simulate a window glass. This plastic sheet (63) reflects light and distorts the target image (27) when it is in the field of view of the shooter.

Referring to FIG. 11, the target system is powered by a power supply. (64). Power enters the control unit (35) via the power cable (65). Programs are entered or executed from the control unit (35). The programs may also be selected, executed or halted and restarted via the wireless electronic transmitter (67) using program selection, initiation and halt signals (68). Motor control positioning signals are sent via the #1 signal cable (69) to target #1 carrier motor control unit (71) which causes target #1 carrier drive motor (29) output shaft to rotate. Motor drive feed back signals are sent to the target #1 carrier motor control unit (71) via the motor control #1 feedback signal cable (70) Motor control positioning signals are sent via the #2 signal cable (74) to target #2 carrier motor control unit (76) which cause target #2 carrier drive motor (59) output shaft to rotate. Motor drive feed back signals are sent to the control unit (35) via the motor control #2 feedback signal cable (75).

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The target system may also be installed with the target carrier movement toward and away from the shooter. This configuration simulates a “frontal attack mode.”

The system is usable with all types of lethal and non-lethal projectiles and radiation generating devices such as infrared or laser.

The plastic sheet affixed to the window cutout can be made of any of a number of transparent or translucent materials.

The target obscuring panels may be designed to simulate and depict any number of different locations and surroundings such as the interior of a nuclear power plant control room or the interior of an airplane or bus. 

1. A programmable electronically controlled target carrier positioning system comprising, in combination: movable target carriers used to transport targets whose direction of movement, speed of movement, and the length of time between said movements are precisely and independently controlled.
 2. The system according to claim I wherein said programmable electronics allow multiple, user defined programs to be created, stored, retrieved, and executed in a repeatable fashion.
 3. The system according to claim 1 wherein said target carrier movement and execution of said programs are controlled by use of a wireless remote communication device.
 4. The system according to claim 1 wherein said target carriers are moved to and from precise, repeatable locations behind or in front of panels depicting a simulated environment.
 5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said programmable electronics co-ordinates said direction of movement, said speed of movement, said length of time between said movements and said location of said target carriers, in relationship to the direction and speed of movement, length of time between movements and location, of one or more additional targets carriers.
 6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the movement of said target carriers may be momentarily halted and when said target carrier movement is reinitiated, starts at the point in time at which said program was previously halted.
 7. The system according to claim 1 wherein said panels are overlapped to prevent said shooter from observing said target carrier movements when said target carriers are in locations between said panels.
 8. The system according to claim 1 wherein the cutouts in said panels, used to simulate windows, are covered with a material that simulates the glass that is usually found covering a window opening.
 2. A target carrier device wherein said target carrier device moves said targets in a random, unpredictable and non-horizontal plane.
 3. A target mounting device wherein said target mounting device causes said targets, when disconnected from said target carriers by the actions of said shooter, fall to the ground and topple to one side, removing said target from view.
 1. The device according to claim 3 wherein said target mounting device has a movable arm designed to quickly enter said shooters field of view as said target is moved to a precise location. 